Saturday's program on amphibians and reptiles at the Anniston Museum of Natural History
featured a talk by Dr. George Cline, a.k.a. Dr. Frog, the resident herpetologist at Jacksonville State University. Cline's talk on frogs
drew “oohs,” “ahs” and shouts of “cool!” from the younger members in the audience. Cline said that Alabama has between 140 and 150
species of reptile and amphibians, putting it in the top five states in the United States.

Cline entertained the crowd by reproducing the sounds of different frog species; one “sounds like somebody's plucking the
strings on a banjo,” another “like running a finger over a comb,” he said. He added that declining numbers of frogs the world
over have scientists worried about the effects of climate change on reptile and amphibian populations. But he added that there
is still time to repair the situation.

The event, which also featured live lizards, turtles, alligators and frogs was part of the Fresh Air Family, a state-wide program
that encourages outdoor activity. Gina Morey, programs manager for the museum, agreed that it is important to get children
interested in the natural world.

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